Jay Sweet Brings the Jazz Jam to the Pickle

Last month bassist Jay Sweet brought his jazz jam under the JSJBF banner to member venue, the Chubby Pickle. Unfortunately for me, I couldn’t be there, as I was attending a family wedding on the West Coast. It’s held on the fourth Monday of each month; this month I was able to attend, and I’m pleased to report that jazz is alive and well in eastern Monmouth County. Jay has been hosting jams in various locations over the years, as well as teaching and mentoring young musicians through his Sweet Music Academy. He also plays in several groups, and is on call when someone like Jo Wymer needed him for the Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival Saturday, or Mike Kaplan’s 9th Degree on their gig Sunday at Johnny Jazz Park in Red Bank.

Jay Sweet Jazz Jam At Pickle

The evening started off with his Atmospheric Trio, which includes 23-year-old keyboard phenom, Kenny Tam, and drummer, Dan Weeks, who has guested with several bands including Joe Peterson, at board member Joseph Vincent Riggio’s Jazz Café. They opened with an original tune called “It’s On,” which I’m told will be on their forthcoming CD. They then started bringing up players, the first of which was Tad Shaefer, a regular at the blues jams, but this night he traded his Strat for and L5 style guitar, which lends itself more to this music. Next up they added sax man Gregory Grispart and a version of “Summertime” never sounded so good.

As the night wore on, more players showed up, including ace drummer from the blues jam and the man who puts our monthly newsletter together, Walter Doberentz, who acquitted himself nicely. There was a good mix of horns, including saxophones, trumpets, and even a tuba. Add several guitarists, keyboard players, plus a harp player, and you have all the ingredients for a great jam. I can’t wait to see what next month brings!